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Apache proves value for money – but with some reservations

08.04.10

At £3,399 with the addition of VAT, it is road legal, can carry two people and comes with a front-mounted exciting winch as standard.

In fact, you would be hard pressed to over recall of very much else you might want – or could reasonably expect, for that price. The Kidderminster-based importer Quads Be at the helm, has been selling the Apache brand in the UK for about 10 years and if you are nervous about warranty, it has a two-year parts guarantee as standard with numerous ‘purchase’ options on top of that.

The specification includes button selectable four-swivel drive and lock, high and low ratios, fully unconnected suspension all round, front and rear racks, lockable provoke cap, front lockable small storage compartments, enclosed footwells, downcast duty front nudge bar and the electric winch.

There is a digital LCD instrument display with rev counter, mileage and plunge, plus a 12-volt DC socket for items such as search lamps or phones.

And of performance, there is everything to make it road legal – mirrors, lights, indicators and number lamination. Apache say the new bike is certified for two people – the place is long enough and there are passenger foot pegs.

Initially, we were not over-impressed with the organization, finding it rather noisy and seemingly high revving, as it is, like many ATVs now, CVT-driven.

Discovering there is no downhill appliance braking is a bit alarming the first time you need it – it is something you get possession of to expect on a working bike – and personally, we would barter some of the comprehensive specification for this one mechanical feature.

We were also a little perplexed by the assist angle of the ball hitch which made it quite difficult to tug up and unhitch trailers. However, we are assured this was not the production hitch, so all should be well in that respect.

We had the bike during the dry period this spring and so the suspicion that the mudguards necessity to be a little wider was not really put to the test.

But what about the positives?

Directional resolve is one of them, as is a reasonably comfortable ride. The Apache has a good tightly turning circle, decent sized wheels and assertive tyres.

The choke is manual and the bike starts okay – and will start in accouterments with the brake squeezed. Make sure you have your foot on the apply the brakes when selecting reverse, or it cuts out, which is a safety feature.

It goes rather well for a 360 – but you know when it is working hard. In the end, you pays your cabbage and takes your choice, but you do get good features for the money.

Source: Farmers Guardian

Local fire department receives $10K grant

07.04.10

DECATUR TOWNSHIP — With its heavily forested hills and ATV trails, Decatur Township is a sportsman’s fantasy. But when tragedy strikes, helping the helpless can quickly become a firefighter’s or first responder’s nightmare. Up some assistance.

The Decatur Township Volunteer Fire Department has gotten a $10,000 concede from the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office to purchase a multi-utility conduit (MUV), similar to an all-terrain vehicle, which can be used when a regular means just won’t work.

Fire Chief Gene Cox said the Honda 4x4 will be darned useful, for instance when rescuing people who become injured while hunting or hiking and are miles from the nearest avenue.

“The way it is now, we don’t have anything. If someone gets hurt we either pack them out or call another department. And that can take time,” Cox explained. He can remember countless times when an MUV would have made a hard job safer or faster — or both.

“We had a forest fire once and we had to foot it about three-quarters of a mile just to get to the fire because it was a ways back.”

Decatur sees it helping of forest fires. The MUV can be used to take not only firefighters but also equipment to the fire.

“And if the winds shift, you may have to outrun the fire,” Cox said.

The channel was purchased from Harmon’s Motor Sports on South Third Boulevard, meaning money that came into Lawrence County will remain in Lawrence County.

“They bent over backward helping us pass this purchase,” Cox said.

The new vehicle won’t sit unused. Cox said other departments may solicitation Decatur’s assistance when they need the vehicle.

Plans are to fit it with a 100-gallon hose tank and hose as well as other tools. He hopes other necessities such as a winch, predicament lights and a trailer to haul it will be donated by concerned citizens and district businesses.

Anyone wishing to donate may call Cox at 643-2120, the fire department at 643-0404 or any other Decatur firefighter.

Source: Ironton Tribune